Magazine for the professional tire industry
Issue link: https://mtd.epubxp.com/i/328077
MTD June 2014 LT winter tires only trying to maintain excellent trac- tion, but continually move forward and improve it." Te traditional studdable LT-size winter paterns require studs for traction on snow and ice, according to Conrad Galamgam, senior director of the technical depart- ment for Nito Tire U.S.A. Inc. "Once these tires are studded, the ice traction increases, but the tire can no longer be used year-round. Truck owners are look- ing for tires that can be used year-round; they don't want two sets of tires." Galamgam expects new tread com- pounds to lead to greater winter traction while maintaining tread life for year- round use. "Tese new tread compounds will continue to evolve as we strive to fnd the best balance of winter traction while maintaining tread life for high- torque, diesel-powered pickups." Ron Margadonna, senior marketing manager, Michelin North America Inc., also thinks "white road performance increases" will come mostly through material evolution. Barry Terzaken, product manager, light truck and winter tires for Continental Tire the Americas LLC, says his company is constantly trying to improve ice and snow traction while maintaining comfort, a smooth ride and reduced noise. "Of particular importance for LT-size tires is having a robust construction and being able to carry the heavy loads that a light truck requires." Winter LT line-up Eight participants in the winter tire segment provided MTD with updates on their latest LT products. Several manufacturers are introducing new LT-size winter tires while others are adding sizes to existing lines Gandhi, Bridgestone: Te Fires- tone WinterForce LT is our newest LT winter tire ofering. While the majority of the line was launched in 2010, we have continued to introduce new sizes since then. We just added the new LT 275/65R20, a very popular new LT size, which will launch in July. We also have a Bridgestone ofering, the Blizzak W965 featuring one of our proprietary multi-cell compounds. All of the winter tires that Bridgestone manufactures are dedicated winter tires. We do not mark our A/T The General Altimax Arctic is studdable and has the mountain snowfake winter tire symbol. Quik-Link: 800-687-1557 ext. 17117 32